Get a good digital recorder, and every time you sit down hit record (you'll get accustomed to it). If you think you'll be nervous, start with a short warmup to forget you're recording and you're on your way. You can make good videos and store them on your own channel here with your cell phone (FHD for best quality), but that takes up far more space than the .wmv file on a digital recorder. No reason to lose your thoughts. I may not be great, but I do enjoy listening to myself without having to do the work.a And you get to hear want you want to change. I have a Tascam DRw 44L (or something like that) outside of battery usage (4 aa) it's really great. But a cell phone with a big memory card is just a good. You can back up all of your stuff here for free. Just keep the vids private if you don't want anyone to hear.
Letting go of your ego and just playing from your heart can be the most challenging. But, when everything "clicks" it can be the most rewarding -- the most satisfying.
Thank you for the beautiful message today! 🎶 Yes, it is to play and be yourself-natural, reaching people and touching their hearts with your music, being vulnerable and in the present moment!! 🌼
I've been watching your lessons for around 2 years now. Your cheerful enthusiasm for learning diminished 7th and Neapolitan 6th chords is infectious. Thanks for all of this helpful and inspiring stuff! Keep on doing what you do, Robert.
Quite lovely . . . and from what, as an older novice, I can ascertain, a lot of chord progressions and a drawing from many years of dedicated hard work . . . and therefore, you make it look a lot easier than it is. Mr. Estrin, my major study at my university was art, so I understand the creative process, but it is still music that makes my soul sing, as I also found in my early years I had a very strong high baritone voice . . . I had also discovered that I had a very strong propensity for dance, and once my British grandmother, who was the prima ballerina of her troupe told me she had seen Pavlova dance, and then proceeded that my natural talent was something in my later teens that it took professionals years of training to accomplish . . . well, it made my young mind spin. So, I understand that true creativity comes from the soul. I might add that I had always thought I would have liked to take up piano also and did get a chance to take beginning piano and theory one semester at the university . . . and I thoroughly enjoyed it . . . but did not see my way to pursue it at the time, as my major would require my concentration. 24 ¶ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? -- Matthew 16:24-26 Therefore, I believe there is so much more to the soul (and life) than sensitivity and the ability to perform or paint, or sing, or dance, or give out to others. It is there we find our true selves and also an emptiness, a void . . . a yearning to know the Author or our soul . . . our soul's Creator . . . for there is found our purpose and the reason for our creativity . . . the essence of life and the complete fulfillment and satisfaction of our soul through Jesus Christ. Until then, all our life purpose is pretty much is for self -- self-centeredness, and self-satisfaction, that never quite ever totally fulfills our soul's desire or its peace, nor able to achieve our deepest and lasting yearnings . . . so, respectfully, the creative process is a temporary fix for the Id, which is never truly satisfied and whose expression of the real purpose of our soul is never quite achieved . . . that is until I came to glorify and serve God Almighty through the salvation of His Son, Jesus . . . and it is there that the inspiration, the purpose, and the expression of joy can come together to real fulfillment . . . and the filling of that agony of emptiness is truly realized and achieved. You are indeed a gifted man, and I would testify one who tries to achieve perfection to leave as a legacy of your life for others. Thank you again for your kind sharing of your talent in video and for giving us a brief look into the soul of Mr. Robert Estrin, Maestro . . . and creative soul. Thank you for you many
I struggle with that alot, I'm always in between 0 confidence or total ego maniac, and it really pisses me of, because when I started playing guitar, I really loved it, and the better I become and the more people told me that, my ego grows like a monster, and now it's killing my feeling for music I once had
If I record myself while playing (just for myself) I make 10 times as many mistakes as I would otherwise make. It's so hard for me to just let go when I know someone might be listening or watching! Great video.
I think having some humility will take part of the ego portion away. The lessons he speaks of here go beyond just playing the piano. These lessons can be used in many facets of your life. I learned many of these lessons including improv in speaking while doing press conferences. Thing's become stressful when there's a bunch of news cameras filming you speak. Although playing piano in front of an audience and press conferences are 2 completely different things the stress can be similar. Once you drop the ego things usually work out pretty well. Great video.
Ego is so dangerous. It hinders practising a piece because it causes you to be impatient and not pay attention to the details. In the end, there is no reward from it.
Wow! This was such an awesome and very inspiring video on such an important topic. Thank you so much for uploading this!!! Really needed to see this as I've been struggling with performance anxiety for the past few years. I learned exactly why from this video and believe that your advice will significantly help me with future performances. Stunning improvisation, by the way. Bravo!
What a nice topic to address! Admiring oneself while performing is just a really bad habit and completely interferes with the focus and concentration required to accurately convey the music to the audience.
Never heard a piano teacher talk about 'ego' before? WOW! But I do that with some classical music, there are movements/notes that I think just don't go - there is a Beethoven Sonata where I just don't play that movement because I think it destroys the mood. The piece does relieve you of the emotion at the end so all is well.
I liked that. I've often wondered if you spend much time improvising. Thanks for sharing. There's also a YT channel danthecomposer that talks about losing the ego and using your inner piano to play.
Great stuff! Could you please make a video on how to start improvising? I’ve always wanted to improvise but I have absolutely no clue how to even approach it!
It's fight or flight for me. Very primal, no higher brain functions whatever. Mostly trying not to pee myself. You have to be very advanced to have such a long and considered thought process about performing!
I've found that the best improv I do is always when I'm alone and is usually lost forever. Great video.
Get a good digital recorder, and every time you sit down hit record (you'll get accustomed to it). If you think you'll be nervous, start with a short warmup to forget you're recording and you're on your way. You can make good videos and store them on your own channel here with your cell phone (FHD for best quality), but that takes up far more space than the .wmv file on a digital recorder. No reason to lose your thoughts.
I may not be great, but I do enjoy listening to myself without having to do the work.a And you get to hear want you want to change.
I have a Tascam DRw 44L (or something like that) outside of battery usage (4 aa) it's really great. But a cell phone with a big memory card is just a good. You can back up all of your stuff here for free. Just keep the vids private if you don't want anyone to hear.
This is so me. True musical works of art often just come and go like a gust of wind.
same :)
Use voice memos in your iphone
Letting go of your ego and just playing from your heart can be the most challenging. But, when everything "clicks" it can be the most rewarding -- the most satisfying.
Amazing video! I really appreciate how many different things you talk about related to piano and I always learn something useful. Thanks Mr Estrin!
The piano is just so beautiful
Thank you for the beautiful message today! 🎶 Yes, it is to play and be yourself-natural, reaching people and touching their hearts with your music, being vulnerable and in the present moment!! 🌼
I've been watching your lessons for around 2 years now. Your cheerful enthusiasm for learning diminished 7th and Neapolitan 6th chords is infectious. Thanks for all of this helpful and inspiring stuff! Keep on doing what you do, Robert.
It has been one of the most important videos I've watached about being a musician.
Amazing improv. Could you do a video on improvisiation?
Quite lovely . . . and from what, as an older novice, I can ascertain, a lot of chord progressions and a drawing from many years of dedicated hard work . . . and therefore, you make it look a lot easier than it is.
Mr. Estrin, my major study at my university was art, so I understand the creative process, but it is still music that makes my soul sing, as I also found in my early years I had a very strong high baritone voice . . . I had also discovered that I had a very strong propensity for dance, and once my British grandmother, who was the prima ballerina of her troupe told me she had seen Pavlova dance, and then proceeded that my natural talent was something in my later teens that it took professionals years of training to accomplish . . . well, it made my young mind spin. So, I understand that true creativity comes from the soul. I might add that I had always thought I would have liked to take up piano also and did get a chance to take beginning piano and theory one semester at the university . . . and I thoroughly enjoyed it . . . but did not see my way to pursue it at the time, as my major would require my concentration.
24 ¶ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? -- Matthew 16:24-26
Therefore, I believe there is so much more to the soul (and life) than sensitivity and the ability to perform or paint, or sing, or dance, or give out to others. It is there we find our true selves and also an emptiness, a void . . . a yearning to know the Author or our soul . . . our soul's Creator . . . for there is found our purpose and the reason for our creativity . . . the essence of life and the complete fulfillment and satisfaction of our soul through Jesus Christ. Until then, all our life purpose is pretty much is for self -- self-centeredness, and self-satisfaction, that never quite ever totally fulfills our soul's desire or its peace, nor able to achieve our deepest and lasting yearnings . . . so, respectfully, the creative process is a temporary fix for the Id, which is never truly satisfied and whose expression of the real purpose of our soul is never quite achieved . . . that is until I came to glorify and serve God Almighty through the salvation of His Son, Jesus . . . and it is there that the inspiration, the purpose, and the expression of joy can come together to real fulfillment . . . and the filling of that agony of emptiness is truly realized and achieved.
You are indeed a gifted man, and I would testify one who tries to achieve perfection to leave as a legacy of your life for others. Thank you again for your kind sharing of your talent in video and for giving us a brief look into the soul of Mr. Robert Estrin, Maestro . . . and creative soul.
Thank you for you many
You have NO idea how much I needed to hear this piece! Thank you so much
I struggle with that alot, I'm always in between 0 confidence or total ego maniac, and it really pisses me of, because when I started playing guitar, I really loved it, and the better I become and the more people told me that, my ego grows like a monster, and now it's killing my feeling for music I once had
Great advice about ego and extra thinking on delivering better performances..wise words!
I felt clarity of mind, conviction, and a profound love for fantasy from what you played... idk if I'm right but you sounded like a dreamer ❤
If I record myself while playing (just for myself) I make 10 times as many mistakes as I would otherwise make. It's so hard for me to just let go when I know someone might be listening or watching! Great video.
Love all of your videos - the way you play, the way you speak and explain things, and your smile. Thank you.
Awesome. So real and sincere!
Thank you!
Thank you for these precious lessons, these advices are very helpful and a good motivation for studying more music!!!
EXCELLENT! Just what I needed! You are a national treasure Mr Estrin.
I think having some humility will take part of the ego portion away. The lessons he speaks of here go beyond just playing the piano. These lessons can be used in many facets of your life. I learned many of these lessons including improv in speaking while doing press conferences. Thing's become stressful when there's a bunch of news cameras filming you speak. Although playing piano in front of an audience and press conferences are 2 completely different things the stress can be similar. Once you drop the ego things usually work out pretty well. Great video.
It is in humility that greatness blooms. You are a national treasure, Robert.
Beautiful improv and great food for thought Robert! Thank you for your videos, it's always a pleasure to watch them!
Ego is so dangerous. It hinders practising a piece because it causes you to be impatient and not pay attention to the details. In the end, there is no reward from it.
That was beautiful, Robert. You always give such practical advise and now I see you can give spiritual advise just as well. Very touching.
That progression from 5m44 to 5m46 was amazing.
Thank you for another great video! Beautiful improvisation and great wisdom! Thank you Robert!
wow! That was great. I loved it!
Great message in this video! Also really enjoy the improvisation!
Beautiful pianist and person!
Truly amazing video. again, Robert...
What a great topic and you have some excellent thoughts, too. Applies to many aspects in life, like you also mention in the end of the video.
Thanks!
Thanks Robert for an inspiring improv! A great listen!
A wonderful lesson Robert. In both pianism and in life.
This reminds me of Duke Ellington’s admonition to young musicians: “Never think you’re better than anyone else.“
That improvisation was beautiful. Loved it. Thanks Robert.
such a great inspirational advice! and your performance is just beautiful!
You used the perfect words to help me understand what is going on in my head when I play. I enjoy your videos very much keep up the great work.
Delightful Robert. My title for your improve here, which came to me as you played, is: "Everybody Feels." I spontaneously applauded as well...
Wow! This was such an awesome and very inspiring video on such an important topic. Thank you so much for uploading this!!! Really needed to see this as I've been struggling with performance anxiety for the past few years. I learned exactly why from this video and believe that your advice will significantly help me with future performances. Stunning improvisation, by the way. Bravo!
awesome message. thank you.
What a nice topic to address! Admiring oneself while performing is just a really bad habit and completely interferes with the focus and concentration required to accurately convey the music to the audience.
Loved it! Keep them up. Thank you Robert.
that improv sounded something right out of the latest zelda game, fantastic!
it was MEGA inspiring, robert! thank you ever so much!!! an inconvenient truth for many, including me. i can say that much. :)
That was fantastic!!
The improvisation was wonderful, Mr. Estrin! Please definitely record more!
Thank you very much for this.
I enjoyed that very much. Please do more.
5:37 - 5:40 felt heavenly to hear
That was beautiful!!!
truly amazing Robert! could you do a video on how to compose? if you could that would be wonderful!
Never heard a piano teacher talk about 'ego' before? WOW! But I do that with some classical music, there are movements/notes that I think just don't go - there is a Beethoven Sonata where I just don't play that movement because I think it destroys the mood. The piece does relieve you of the emotion at the end so all is well.
beautiful video. Thank you.
I liked that. I've often wondered if you spend much time improvising. Thanks for sharing. There's also a YT channel danthecomposer that talks about losing the ego and using your inner piano to play.
Would be cool to see some more videos on improv techniques, the few that you've put out have been really helpful
solid advice, for anything in life!
what a great video really nice!
magnificent improv!my favourite of yours
and thanks for your thoughts on composing/playing delivery Robert :)
great message, thank you very much!
Great stuff! Could you please make a video on how to start improvising? I’ve always wanted to improvise but I have absolutely no clue how to even approach it!
Mr. Estrin dropping some wisdom!!
Very nice Robert, I can imagine some of the ideas in this being developed further, do you compose finished pieces of work?
Great improv!
Those are some great social psychology thoughts
Great improvisation
Amazing video
Nice chord changes. You should do more off the cuff things in your vids.
That white Steinway has my whole heart ❤️
I'd play infront of one person and I'm dying😭
Thanks, unfortunately I always have very high stage fright.
So it's good to be clear about what you said.
By the way, great improvisation :)
😍
It's fight or flight for me. Very primal, no higher brain functions whatever. Mostly trying not to pee myself. You have to be very advanced to have such a long and considered thought process about performing!
That’s a beautiful white Steinway
I definitely like where you took that session. My hands never land on those fat voicings.
dat boi gewd